Independence Blue Cross (Independence) launched its 2018 annual associate campaign —  “Community MVP!” — for United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. The campaign runs through September 28 and features a variety of events and community service projects to connect Independence associates with many of the organizations supported by the United Way. In 2017, nearly 80 percent of Independence associates participated in the United Way campaign, donating more than $825,000, one of the largest employer contributions in the region. Along with Independence’s corporate match, the total contribution exceeded $2 million.

This year’s campaign follows the successful launch in June of Independence’s first Community Impact Day, a company-wide day of service supporting a variety of local nonprofit organizations focused on good health and well-being. Collectively, more than 300 Independence associates and interns volunteered over 1,600 hours.

“For decades, Independence has been a proud supporter of the United Way campaign and its mission to end intergenerational poverty in our region, said Independence President and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty. “And every year our associates overwhelm us with their generous financial support for United Way and their outstanding volunteer efforts for one of the many supported organizations. We couldn’t be prouder of the corporate culture we’ve built that fully embraces giving back to our community and helping others in need.”
On September 26, nearly 350 Independence associate volunteers will participate in community service projects for the following organizations as part of the United Way Days of Caring initiative.

•    American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
•    AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, Cheltenham, Pa.
•    Boys and Girls Club of Chester, Chester, Pa.
•    Food Bank of South Jersey, Pennsauken Township, N.J.
•    Gift of Life Family House, Philadelphia, Pa.
•    HomeFront, Lawrenceville, N.J.
•    MANNA, Philadelphia, Pa.
•    Turning Points for Children, Philadelphia, Pa.
•    Cradles to Crayons, West Conshohocken, Pa.
•    Pathways PA, Media, Pa.
•    Philabundance, Philadelphia, Pa.
•    Philadelphia Senior Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

Additionally, on Saturday, September 22, approximately 50 Independence associate volunteers will assist the SHARE Food Program in Philadelphia by packing food boxes, sorting food donations for distribution to local cupboards, and preparing seed beds for fall vegetable plantings.

To learn more about #ibxgives2018, connect with Independence on Facebook and on Twitter.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve 8.5 million people in 28 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.